Father Cornelius Deep receives first assignment
The Most Reverend Douglas J. Lucia is announcing the following clergy assignment for Father Cornelius P. Deep: Rev. Cornelius P. Deep, having been ordained by Bishop Lucia at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception on May 30, 2026, is appointed Parochial Vicar of...
‘Magnifica Humanitas’ a reminder of ‘moral responsibility’ in AI oversight, expert says
By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News (OSV News) — At the heart of Pope Leo XIV’s first encyclical, “Magnifica Humanitas” (“Magnificent Humanity”), is the conviction that in the age of ever-advancing artificial intelligence,...
A ‘sweet’ family connection
St. Stephen’s Strawberry Festival celebrates 25th anniversary By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer Where can you find basket raffles, a silent auction, kids’ games, putt-putt golf, music, chicken dinners, pulled pork sandwiches, Gianelli sausage, hamburgers, and Hofmann...
A step closer to the priesthood
Jonathan Hoole, Douglas Villanella ordained transitional deacons By Tami S. Scott Editor Grace. That was, in essence, the very prayer on the hearts of both Jonathan Hoole and Douglas Villanella as they prepared for their ordination as transitional deacons. Each, in...
The opportunities of Ordinary Time
By Lucia A. Silecchia Recently, I got the ominous “heads up” that my work computer is scheduled to be replaced this summer. For most, this should be the most welcome of news. A new computer is faster, unclogged with old files, updated with the latest and greatest...
Blessed are the merciful
Parishioners at St. Mary of the Assumption and the Church of St. Paul exceed expectations when challenged to give generously By Eileen Jevis Staff writer The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. ~Proverbs 22:9 Father Arthur...
It’s not the Prize Patrol … it’s the HOPE Appeal!
Fun social media videos celebrate over $1 million in parish sharing as part of 2025 Hope Appeal campaign By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer Since being featured in several of the Syracuse Diocese’s social media videos promoting the annual HOPE Appeal campaign that began...
A dedicated apostle of Christ
Fr. Zachary Miller receives KoC Clergy of the Year Award for New York State By Eileen Jevis Staff writer The award honors a Knights of Columbus chaplain who embodies priestly zeal and exemplary service as a teacher of the faith, an apostle of Christian family life, a...
Answering Love’s call: Religious jubilarians honored
By Tami S. Scott, editor Twenty-three men and women of various religious orders in the Syracuse Diocese are celebrating their jubilees this year. Bishop Douglas J. Lucia was the main celebrant at the May 12 Mass honoring these devoted individuals who continue to place...
Experiments in Catholicism: OCD, St. Oscar Romero and Me
By Emily E Long For most of my life, I’ve been at war with my mind. My mind is a battlefield in which intrusive thoughts and my real self, the one who wants to enjoy her life, are adversaries. Every day, I would wake up to face the battle of Obsessive Compulsive...
In grandeur or simplicity
Above: A couple who wished to get married outside selected this sacred space at Spirit of Hope Parish in Syracuse. Photo submitted Getting married in a sacred space By Eileen Jevis Staff writer A Catholic wedding is a sacred sacrament through which a couple seeks the...
Our Lady of Good Counsel celebrates 85 years
By Connie McKinney Contributing writer Michael Swetitch grew up attending Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Endicott and remembers making his first holy Communion there. “It’s smaller and neighborly. It fosters a friendliness amongst the parishioners. They’re like...
The gift of a mother’s love
Above: A mother kisses her baby July 19, 2024, during the revival night of the National Eucharistic Congress at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. All mothers are honored in special ways on Mother’s Day, which is May 10 this year. (OSV News photo/Bob Roller) By Donald...
Meet the newly ordained permanent deacons
Deacon Ronald Barnes Assigned to St. Stephen’s Church, Phoenix, and Holy Trinity, Fulton About 10 years ago, Dc. Ron had the feeling that something was missing from his life. He was considering going back to school when a “wonderful lady from church” asked him if he...
Answering the call to serve
By Tami S. Scott Editor It was standing room only at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. After seven years of intensive spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral preparation, 10 men were ceremoniously ordained April 25 to the permanent diaconate. Each...
In memoriam Sister Barbara Krick, CSJ
Sister Barbara Krick, formerly Sister Janet Emily, died peacefully at the Teresian House in Albany, New York, on April 26, 2026. She had been a Sister of St. Joseph of Carondelet for 71 years. Born in Syracuse, she was the daughter of Leonard and Katherine Krick....
Catholic Charities CEO Kerry Alys Robinson to give Le Moyne College’s 2026 Commencement Address
Five to receive honorary degrees for 2026 Commencement By Joe Della Posta Director of College and Presidential Communications, Le Moyne College Kerry Alys Robinson, president and CEO of Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA), will deliver the commencement address at Le Moyne...
‘Be the answer to someone’s prayer’
Experiments in Catholicism By Emily E Long In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus tells the parable of the prodigal son, about a father and his two sons. One day, one of the sons decides that he is ready for his inheritance. His father gives it to him, and he sets out into the...
Answering the call to serve
By Tami S. Scott Editor It was standing room only at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Syracuse. After seven years of intensive spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral preparation, 10 men were ceremoniously ordained April 25 to the permanent diaconate. Each...
Bringing the presence of Christ to others
Fr. John Manno recognized for bringing hope and support to poorest neighborhoods By: Eileen Jevis Staff writer The Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:29) is the story of Jesus walking with two disillusioned disciples the day after His resurrection. The scripture is about finding...
Walking with couples and ‘filling the gaps’ in accompaniment
Updated diocesan marriage preparation framework is rolled out to parishes By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer Bishop Douglas J. Lucia’s third pastoral letter, “In You All Find Their Home,” published on Ash Wednesday of this year, introduced the updated “Framework for...
Bishop Lucia announces assignments for newly ordained deacons
Deacon Ronald M. Barnes has been assigned to St. Stephen’s Church, Phoenix, NY, and Holy Trinity, Fulton, NY. Deacon Kurt R. Behrenfeld has been assigned to St. Mary’s and St. Anthony of Padua Parish in Cortland, NY; St. Margaret’s Church, Homer, NY; St....
Pope Leo to new priests: Keep Church door open, don’t be an obstacle
By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News (OSV News) — Priests are called each day to leave the doors of the Church open to a “suffering humanity” in need and not “be an obstacle to those who wish to enter,” Pope Leo XIV told 10 deacons just...
Recital at St. Thomas More Chapel honors Fr. Gerry Waterman
Beloved priest completes his ministry at Syracuse University By Eileen Jevis Staff writer On Palm Sunday, Syracuse University sponsored a recital at the campus’s St. Thomas More Chapel for the dedication of the new Greg Harrold pipe organ. University organist Anne...
Basilica unveils new Easter mural
By Tami S. Scott Editor If you attended Mass at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Palm Sunday or soon thereafter, you may have noticed something slightly different in the sanctuary: the parish unveiled its new, beautifully repainted upper Easter murals...
Working for ‘God’s kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven’
100th World Mission Sunday to be celebrated later this year on October 18 By Elizabeth Landry Staff writer Retired priest Father Peter Major, MHM, now resides in Skaneateles, where he was born and raised. Many decades of his life in between were spent in faraway...
Gospel message brings freedom, hope, pope says at final Mass in Equatorial Guinea
By Junno Arocho Esteves OSV News (OSV News) — On his last day in Equatorial Guinea, Pope Leo XIV reminded Catholics in the country to seek strength, justice and hope from the Gospel and the sacraments. “If you are oppressed by injustice, he is justice; if...
Good Friday Witness Walk in Endicott: 30 years strong
By Connie McKinney Contributing writer Joyce and Chris Carlsen never miss the Witness Walk held on the streets of Endicott every Good Friday. “People will remember the significance of the Easter season,” Chris Carlsen said. “It’s a testament to our history of being a...
‘I’m ready to go’
Deacon Cornelius Deep prepares for ordination to the priesthood By Eileen Jevis Staff Writer One month before his ordination to the priesthood, Deacon Cornelius Deep sat down with The Catholic Sun to talk about his expectations, what he’s looking forward to, and how...
